Phil Greening will miss England's Six Nations Championship opener against Wales at the Millennium Stadium on February 3.
The Wasps hooker, currently recuperating from knee surgery, was always racing against time to make the Cardiff clash.
"Phil had an operation on his left knee two weeks ago, which was successful," said England boss Clive Woodward.
"However, he needs further recovery time. We hope he will be available for selection for our first home game, against Italy on February 17."
London Irish hooker, the New Zealand-born Richard Kirke, and Gloucester's Chris Fortey - both uncapped - will train with Woodward's Six Nations squad next Monday.
They join Leicester hooker Dorian West, another training addition who is not a member of the original 30-man squad, announced yesterday.
It means that Bath's experienced Mark Regan is in pole position to wear the number two jersey against Wales.
British Lion Regan, who made his Test debut more than five years ago, started when England beat Argentina 19-0 at Twickenham last November.
And he was considered unlucky to lose his place when Woodward recalled Greening to face South Africa seven days later, a game which England also won.